Care for your Mental Health at PrairieStar.

PrairieStar Health Center believes that Mental Health plays a crucial role in ones overall well being and health journey. We also believe that Primary Care integrated with Mental Health provides the highest quality and most effective treatment of patients in the Primary Care setting.

Our Mental Health Providers

Edith Gracius, APRN, PMHNP

Edith Gracius, APRN, PMHNP

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Accepting new patients.

Heather Hoyt, APRN, PMHNP

Heather Hoyt, APRN, PMHNP

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Accepting new patients

Raymond Penner, LSCSW-LCAC

Raymond Penner, LSCSW-LCAC

Behavioral Health Consultant

Accepting new patients.

Joel Kennedy, LSCSW-LCAC

Joel Kennedy, LSCSW-LCAC

Behavioral Health Consultant

Accepting new patients.

Sarah Weber, LSCSW

Sarah Weber, LSCSW

Behavioral Health Consultant

Accepting new patients.

Dawn Meek, LMSW

Dawn Meek, LMSW

Behavioral Health Consultant

Accepting new patients. 

Our mental health team is here for YOU and your indivdual needs, whether that is with therapy services, medication management, or help with opioid abuse disorder through our MAT program. 

We have full-time Behavioral Health Consultants embedded into our Primary Care clinic, as well as Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, to broaden the mental health care we provide.

BHCs work side by side with our Primary Care Providers on a daily basis to assist in the detection and treatment of behavioral, emotional, or social concerns that many patients face. We have found this to be a highly effective way of helping to keep our patients healthy.

Common Reasons for Mental Health Visits

Here are some of the reasons many people seek the assistance of a counselor:

• Depression
• Grief & Loss
• Difficulty coping with a diagnosis
• Anxiety
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Difficulty with lifestyle changes recommended by the doctor
• and more

Depression

Depression, grief and loss can effect anyone, young or old. The feelings of sadness, loss, anger or frustration can occur for many reasons, such as loss of loved one.

Symptoms of depression include:

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Irritable mood/anger
  • Lack of energy
  • Feeling hopeless
  • Change in appetite
  • Withdrawal from activities
  • Low self-esteem

PTSD

This behavior health issue may start within three months of a traumatic event, but sometimes symptoms may not appear until years later.

Symptoms of PTSD include:

  • Flashbacks or nightmares
  • Hopelessness and guilt
  • Anger / outbursts
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Destructive behavior

Medicated Assisted Treatment (M.A.T.)

Medicated assisted treatment approach that combines medications with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat Opioid Use Disorder. 

MAT aims to address the physical and psychological aspects of addiction, helping individuals manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and prevent relapse

  • Opioids include:
  • Oxycodone
  • Oxymorphone
  • Hydrocodone
  • Hydromorphone
  • Fentanyl
  • Codeine
  • Methadone
  • Tramadol
  • Morphine
  • And the illicit drug Heroin

To learn more about our M.A.T. program and if it is right for you, click here or give us a call at (620) 663-8484.

To make an appointment with one of our mental health providers, call (620) 663-8484. Should you need to make a Telehealth appointment for therapy, contact your mental health provider.